A groundbreaking achievement in fertility science has given hope to the northern white rhino, a species on the brink of extinction. With only two of these animals left in the world, scientists have successfully achieved the world’s first IVF rhino pregnancy by transferring a lab-created rhino embryo into a surrogate mother. This procedure was carried out using southern white rhinos, a closely related sub-species. The next step is to repeat this process with northern white embryos. The success of this achievement has given scientists confidence that they can save the species by creating northern white rhinos in the same manner.

Northern white rhinos were once widespread across central Africa but were driven to extinction by illegal poaching driven by the demand for rhino horn. Now, only two females, Najin and Fatu, remain under tight security at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. The Biorescue project, an international consortium dedicated to saving this species, has turned to radical fertility science to bring these animals back from the brink. The project began with southern white rhinos, a population that has seen conservation success despite being threatened by illegal hunting.

The Biorescue team faced numerous challenges in their work, including collecting eggs from the two-tonne animals and creating rhino embryos in a lab. It took 13 attempts to achieve the first viable IVF pregnancy using southern white rhinos. The success was unfortunately followed by tragedy when the surrogate mother died from an infection caused by bacteria found in the soil. However, the technique proved to be effective, demonstrating that a viable pregnancy through rhino IVF is possible. The next step is to attempt this with northern white rhino embryos.

There are currently only 30 northern white rhino embryos in existence, stored in liquid nitrogen in Germany and Italy. These embryos were created using eggs harvested from Fatu and sperm collected from two male northern white rhinos before they died. However, the birth of a northern white calf will require another scientific first. Neither of the surviving northern whites can carry a pregnancy due to age and health problems, so the embryo will be implanted into the womb of a surrogate southern white rhino. While this has never been tried before, the team is confident it will work.

The Biorescue team hopes to implant the embryos in the coming months, aiming for the calf to be born while some northern white rhinos are still alive. They believe it is crucial to preserve the social communication and heritage of the northern white rhino by allowing the calf to learn from the last two rhinos. However, simply adding a few more animals through IVF will not save the species due to the lack of genetic diversity. Therefore, the team is also working on an experimental technique to create rhino sperm and eggs from stem cells. This will take time and present many scientific challenges. Despite some experts questioning the allocation of resources to a species on the verge of extinction, the Biorescue team believes that since humans are responsible for the extinction of the northern white rh

Original news source: World’s first IVF rhino pregnancy ‘could save species’ (BBC)

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Have the students read the article individually or in pairs. Then, ask them to write a summary of the article in their own words, highlighting the key points and main ideas. They should aim to condense the information into a concise paragraph or two. Afterward, have them share their summaries with a partner or small group and discuss any similarities or differences.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Assign each group a role, such as scientists, conservationists, or members of the general public. Give them a few minutes to discuss and form opinions about the Biorescue project and the use of fertility science to save the northern white rhino. Then, have each group prepare a list of questions related to their role. Each group will take turns conducting an opinion poll by asking the other groups their questions and recording their responses. Afterward, have a class discussion about the different opinions and perspectives.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Select a list of key vocabulary words from the article, such as IVF, embryo, extinction, poaching, conservation, etc. Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a set of vocabulary words. One student from each group will choose a word and draw a picture to represent it, while the other students in the group try to guess the word. Encourage them to use their knowledge of the article to help them guess. After a set time limit, rotate roles within the groups and continue until all the words have been guessed.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups: one representing the supporters of the Biorescue project and the other representing the critics. Give each group time to brainstorm and discuss the pros and cons of using fertility science to save the northern white rhino. Once they have compiled a list, allow each group to present their arguments to the class. Encourage a respectful debate and discussion, allowing students from each group to respond to the opposing side’s arguments.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Have the students imagine they are scientists working on the Biorescue project. In pairs or small groups, ask them to brainstorm and discuss their predictions for the future of the northern white rhino. What challenges might they face? What breakthroughs could be made? How might the conservation landscape change? Afterward, have each group share their predictions with the class and facilitate a discussion about the various possibilities.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the purpose of the Biorescue project?
2. How many northern white rhinos are left in the world?
3. What challenges did the Biorescue team face in their work?
4. Where are the northern white rhino embryos currently stored?
5. Why is it necessary to implant the embryos into a surrogate southern white rhino?
6. What is the goal of the Biorescue team in terms of timing for the birth of a northern white calf?
7. Why is genetic diversity important for saving the species?
8. What other technique is the team working on to create rhino sperm and eggs?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A groundbreaking achievement in (1)______ science has given hope to the northern white rhino, a species on the brink of extinction. With only two of these animals left in the world, (2)______ have successfully achieved the world’s first IVF rhino pregnancy by transferring a lab-created rhino embryo into a surrogate mother. This procedure was carried out using (3)______ white (4)______, a closely related sub-species. The next step is to repeat this process with northern white embryos. The success of this achievement has given scientists confidence that they can save the species by creating northern white rhinos in the same manner.

Northern white rhinos were once widespread across central Africa but were driven to extinction by illegal poaching driven by the demand for rhino horn. Now, only two females, Najin and Fatu, remain under tight security at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. The Biorescue project, an international consortium dedicated to saving this species, has turned to radical fertility science to bring these animals back from the brink. The project began with southern white rhinos, a population that has seen (5)______ success despite being threatened by illegal hunting.

The Biorescue team faced numerous challenges in their work, (6)______ collecting eggs from the two-tonne animals and creating rhino embryos in a lab. It took 13 (7)______ to achieve the first viable IVF pregnancy using southern white rhinos. The success was unfortunately followed by tragedy when the (8)______ mother died from an infection caused by bacteria found in the soil. However, the technique proved to be effective, demonstrating that a viable pregnancy through rhino IVF is (9)______. The next step is to attempt this with (10)______ white rhino embryos.

There are currently only 30 northern white rhino embryos in existence, stored in liquid nitrogen in Germany and Italy. These embryos were (11)______ using eggs harvested from Fatu and sperm collected from two male northern white rhinos before they died. However, the birth of a northern white calf will require another scientific first. Neither of the surviving northern whites can carry a pregnancy due to age and health problems, so the embryo will be implanted into the womb of a surrogate southern white rhino. While this has never been (12)______ before, the team is confident it will work.

The Biorescue team hopes to implant the embryos in the coming months, aiming for the calf to be born while some northern white rhinos are still alive. They believe it is crucial to preserve the social communication and heritage of the northern white rhino by allowing the calf to learn from the last two rhinos. However, simply adding a few more animals through IVF will not save the species due to the lack of genetic diversity. Therefore, the team is also working on an experimental technique to create rhino sperm and eggs from stem (13)______. This will take time and present many scientific challenges. Despite some experts questioning the allocation of resources to a species on the verge of (14)______, the (15)______ team (16)______ that since humans are responsible for the extinction of the northern white rh
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on using IVF to save the northern white rhino species?
2. How would you feel if you were part of the team working on the Biorescue project?
3. Do you think it is worth allocating resources to save a species on the verge of extinction? Why or why not?
4. What is the significance of preserving the social communication and heritage of the northern white rhino?
5. How do you think the birth of a northern white calf can impact the conservation efforts for the species?
6. Do you think it is ethical to use stem cells to create rhino sperm and eggs? Why or why not?
7. What challenges do you think the Biorescue team will face in implanting the embryos into the surrogate rhino?
8. How do you think the birth of a northern white calf will impact the public’s awareness of rhino conservation?
9. What is the role of humans in the extinction of the northern white rhino?
10. How do you think the success of the IVF rhino pregnancy will impact future conservation efforts for other endangered species?
11. Do you think it is necessary to focus on genetic diversity in the conservation of the northern white rhino? Why or why not?
12. How do you think the success of the IVF rhino pregnancy will impact public opinion on using technology for conservation purposes?
13. What challenges do you think the Biorescue team will face in creating rhino sperm and eggs from stem cells?
14. How do you think the success of the IVF rhino pregnancy will impact the future of fertility science?
15. Do you think it is important to save the northern white rhino species? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. groundbreaking
2. extinction
3. surrogate
4. embryos
5. poaching
6. consortium
7. viable
8. tragedy
9. bacteria
10. nitrogen
11. harvested
12. implanted
13. heritage
14. diversity
15. stem

Meanings:
(A) Placed or set into a new position or environment
(B) Undifferentiated biological cells that can develop into specialized cells
(C) The quality or state of having many different forms, types, ideas, etc.
(D) Microorganisms that can cause disease
(E) The cultural traditions and social values passed down within a community
(F) An event causing great suffering, destruction, or distress
(G) A substitute, especially a person or animal that takes the place of another in a specific role
(H) The state of no longer existing
(I) Capable of working successfully or living
(J) An association or partnership between different groups or organizations
(K) Innovative or pioneering
(L) Early stages of development for an organism
(M) Illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals
(N) Gathered or collected for use
(O) A chemical element that is a gas at room temperature but can be used to preserve biological material in a frozen state
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the goal of the Biorescue project?
(a) To study the behavior of the northern white rhino
(b) To create a new species of rhino
(c) To save the northern white rhino from extinction
(d) To investigate the demand for rhino horn

2. How many northern white rhinos are left in the world?
(a) 2
(b) 30
(c) 13
(d) 0

3. What was the cause of the extinction of the northern white rhino?
(a) Natural disasters
(b) Illegal poaching
(c) Lack of food
(d) Disease

4. What is the next step in the IVF process for the northern white rhino?
(a) Collecting eggs from the two remaining northern white rhinos
(b) Creating rhino embryos in a lab
(c) Implanting the embryos into a surrogate southern white rhino
(d) Transferring a lab-created rhino embryo into a surrogate mother

5. How many attempts did it take to achieve the first viable IVF pregnancy using southern white rhinos?
(a) 2
(b) 13
(c) 30
(d) 0

6. Where are the northern white rhino embryos currently stored?
(a) Germany and Italy
(b) Kenya and South Africa
(c) Brazil and Australia
(d) China and India

7. What is the importance of preserving the social communication and heritage of the northern white rhino?
(a) To increase genetic diversity in the species
(b) To study the behavior of the northern white rhino
(c) To prevent illegal poaching
(d) To allow the calf to learn from the last two rhinos

8. What additional technique is the Biorescue team working on to save the northern white rhino?
(a) Transferring embryos into a surrogate southern white rhino
(b) Collecting eggs from the two remaining northern white rhinos
(c) Investigating the demand for rhino horn
(d) Creating rhino sperm and eggs from stem cells

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The next step is to repeat the process with northern white embryos.
2. Northern white rhinos were driven to extinction by legal poaching driven by the demand for rhino horn.
3. The success of the IVF rhino pregnancy has given scientists confidence that they can save the northern white rhino species.
4. The Biorescue project is a local consortium dedicated to saving the northern white rhino species.
5. Several females, including Najin and Fatu, remain under tight security at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.
6. Scientists have failed to achieve the world’s first IVF rhino pregnancy by transferring a lab-created rhino embryo into a surrogate mother.
7. The procedure was carried out using southern white rhinos, a closely related sub-species.
8. The team is also working on an experimental technique to create rhino sperm and eggs from stem cells.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What is the groundbreaking achievement in fertility science that has given hope to the northern white rhino?
2. How many northern white rhinos are left in the world?
3. What challenges did the Biorescue team face in their work?
4. Where are the northern white rhino embryos currently stored?
5. Why is it important for the calf to be born while some northern white rhinos are still alive?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. The purpose of the Biorescue project is to save the northern white rhino species from extinction.
2. There are only two northern white rhinos left in the world.
3. The Biorescue team faced challenges in collecting eggs from the two-tonne animals and creating rhino embryos in a lab. They also experienced the death of a surrogate mother due to an infection caused by bacteria found in the soil.
4. The northern white rhino embryos are currently stored in liquid nitrogen in Germany and Italy.
5. It is necessary to implant the embryos into a surrogate southern white rhino because neither of the surviving northern whites can carry a pregnancy due to age and health problems.
6. The goal of the Biorescue team is to implant the embryos in the coming months and have the calf born while some northern white rhinos are still alive.
7. Genetic diversity is important for saving the species because it ensures a healthy and resilient population that can adapt to changing environments and resist diseases.
8. The team is working on an experimental technique to create rhino sperm and eggs from stem cells.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) fertility
(2) scientists
(3) southern
(4) rhinos
(5) conservation
(6) including
(7) attempts
(8) surrogate
(9) possible
(10) northern
(11) created
(12) tried
(13) cells
(14) extinction
(15) Biorescue
(16) believes
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. groundbreaking
Answer: (K) Innovative or pioneering

2. extinction
Answer: (H) The state of no longer existing

3. surrogate
Answer: (G) A substitute, especially a person or animal that takes the place of another in a specific role

4. embryos
Answer: (L) Early stages of development for an organism

5. poaching
Answer: (M) Illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals

6. consortium
Answer: (J) An association or partnership between different groups or organizations

7. viable
Answer: (I) Capable of working successfully or living

8. tragedy
Answer: (F) An event causing great suffering, destruction, or distress

9. bacteria
Answer: (D) Microorganisms that can cause disease

10. nitrogen
Answer: (O) A chemical element that is a gas at room temperature but can be used to preserve biological material in a frozen state

11. harvested
Answer: (N) Gathered or collected for use

12. implanted
Answer: (A) Placed or set into a new position or environment

13. heritage
Answer: (E) The cultural traditions and social values passed down within a community

14. diversity
Answer: (C) The quality or state of having many different forms, types, ideas, etc.

15. stem
Answer: (B) Undifferentiated biological cells that can develop into specialized cells
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the goal of the Biorescue project?
Answer: (c) To save the northern white rhino from extinction

2. How many northern white rhinos are left in the world?
Answer: (a) 2

3. What was the cause of the extinction of the northern white rhino?
Answer: (b) Illegal poaching

4. What is the next step in the IVF process for the northern white rhino?
Answer: (c) Implanting the embryos into a surrogate southern white rhino

5. How many attempts did it take to achieve the first viable IVF pregnancy using southern white rhinos?
Answer: (b) 13

6. Where are the northern white rhino embryos currently stored?
Answer: (a) Germany and Italy

7. What is the importance of preserving the social communication and heritage of the northern white rhino?
Answer: (d) To allow the calf to learn from the last two rhinos

8. What additional technique is the Biorescue team working on to save the northern white rhino?
Answer: (d) Creating rhino sperm and eggs from stem cells
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The next step is to repeat the process with northern white embryos. (Answer: True)
2. Northern white rhinos were driven to extinction by legal poaching driven by the demand for rhino horn. (Answer: False)
3. The success of the IVF rhino pregnancy has given scientists confidence that they can save the northern white rhino species. (Answer: True)
4. The Biorescue project is a local consortium dedicated to saving the northern white rhino species. (Answer: False)
5. Several females, including Najin and Fatu, remain under tight security at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. (Answer: False)
6. Scientists have failed to achieve the world’s first IVF rhino pregnancy by transferring a lab-created rhino embryo into a surrogate mother. (Answer: False)
7. The procedure was carried out using southern white rhinos, a closely related sub-species. (Answer: True)
8. The team is also working on an experimental technique to create rhino sperm and eggs from stem cells. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧